Who we are and what we do…

The Essex Land Trust is an all volunteer environmental conservation organization that acquires and maintains open space in the three villages comprising out community: Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton. Founded in 1968 by a group of like-minded individuals, the land trust cooperates with town and state governments and adjacent communities. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of those who donate land and/or money, or their time to achieve a balance between open space and development in our community.

Our location in the Lower Connecticut River Estuary is recognized by The Nature Conservancy as one of the “Last Great Places” in the Western Hemisphere and by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as a unique wetland of international importance. Additionally, the Connecticut River has been designated an American Heritage River due to its historic and cultural significance to the nation; one of just fourteen rivers receiving the designation nationwide. As residents of this area, we have a responsibility to protect this vital habitat.

The land trust owns or has easements on 753 acres and collaborates with the Town of Essex in managing some of its open space as well. As the largest landholder in the Town of Essex accounting for nearly 70% of all open space, the land trust committed to promoting passive recreation for the enjoyment of the community.